A Community Event is defined as a public event occurring in an unincorporated area
of San Diego County, sponsored by a bona fide California recognized
nonprofit organization or a governmental organization, and planned for
a time period of more than four (4) hours, but less than four (4)
days. A community event permit (CEP) is different from a temporary
event permit. If your event is less than 4 hours, you do not qualify
to utilize the CEP process, but this does not exempt you from
possibly having to obtain all necessary permits for your event to take
place.

If your event is less than 4 hours, contact the Sheriff's Licensing Division (858) 974-2121 to learn if
any permits are required for your event.

Community
Event Permits (CEP)

A Community Event Permit (CEP) is a written approval from the
County of San Diego to operate a community event. The Department of
Environmental Health (DEH) serves as the coordinator for all Community
Event permits and coordinates with other County agencies during the
permitting and approval process.

If the event includes the sale of alcohol, the sponsor must apply to
DEH prior to obtaining the ABC license. Also, please note that
a non-profit organization shall be entitled to conduct a maximum of 6
community events within a 12 month period. Food vendors operating at
these events must obtain a separate Temporary Food Facility permit for
each event. The CEP organizer must submit a completed application to
DEH no less than thirty (30) days or more than one (1) year prior to
the event.

Per SDCC Sec. 21.203 - An application must be submitted at least 30
days before the first day of the proposed event to allow for
adequate processing time and review. Failure to provide a complete
application package on time will not allow for a Community Event
Permit to be issued.

Important points to remember when completing an online application:

You must have Microsoft Office - Word or a program that can
open .doc or .docx files.

Click the CEP Application link
below and save the file. Re-open the application in Microsoft
Word.

Copy of Certificate of Insurance with
proof of general liability (no alcohol served) and/or liquor
liability (alcohol served) NOTE: If liquor is being
served/consumed, you must obtain Liquor Liability.

Copy of Additional Insurance endorsement - CG 20 12 or
CG 20 26

Copy of any contracts/agreements signed for the
event

Email DEHCommunityEvents@sdcounty.ca.gov
or Fax (858) 505-6998 completed application to CEP Coordinator. The
Coordinator will contact you for a Phone or In-Person
meeting to discuss any Supplementary Forms required. Failure to provide a
complete application package at least 30 days prior to first day of
proposed event my not allow for a Community Event Permit to be issued.
Changes to your application after submittal may lead to delay or
denial of your permit.